<center><big>The [[Troop Program Features]] include 36 Monthly Themes with Troop Meeting and Activity plans.<br>Using this program, a troop will explore dozens of [[merit badge]]s and [[Scout Skills]] each year.</big></center><br>

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{{shortcut|[[TPF]] - [[Troop Plans]]}}<center><big>The [[Troop Program Features]] include 36 Monthly Themes with Troop Meeting and Activity plans.<br>Using this program, a troop will explore dozens of [[merit badge]]s and [[Scout Skills]] each year.</big></center><br> <br>

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{{Info|<big>Wouldn't it be great to be able to choose from dozens of monthly plans that other troops have used and refined?<br>What if each monthly plan included sample meeting plans, activities, games, and PLC planning suggestions?<br>'''That's what the [[Troop Program Features]] are!'''</big>}}<br><br>

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{{shortcut|[[TPF]] - [[Troop Plans]]}}<big>''Wouldn't it be great to be able to choose from dozens of monthly plans that other troops have used and refined?

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Your [[Patrol Leaders Council]] can pick and choose the themes that interest them. Then for each theme they can tailor their own plan from a variety of resources in the chapter.

[[Troop Program Features#Pearls of Wisdom—Quotes From Baden-Powell|Baden-Powell<br>&nbsp;Quotes]]<br>

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[[Troop Program Features#Founders of the BSA|BSA Founders]]<br>

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[[Troop Program Features#Forms|Forms]]<br>

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[[Troop Program Features#Clip Art|Clip Art]]

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|}Your [[Patrol Leaders Council]] can pick and choose the themes that interest them. Then for each theme they can tailor their own plan from a variety of resources in the chapter.

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Each program is designed to let older Scouts teach newer Scouts the associated [[Scout Skills]] for [[Tenderfoot]], [[Second Class]], and [[First Class]]. Older Scouts are encouraged to continue to explore the related [[Merit Badges]] for each topic.

Each program is designed to let older Scouts teach newer Scouts the associated [[Scout Skills]] for [[Tenderfoot]], [[Second Class]], and [[First Class]]. Older Scouts are encouraged to continue to explore the related [[Merit Badges]] for each topic.

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Although rarely mentioned in the Troop Program Features, the [[Guide to Safe Scouting]] must be with you on all activities and applies to every activity. Also note that the Table of Contents is sometimes out of order because the real subject name is used instead of the chapter name. Both names are shown in the chapter notes below.

Although rarely mentioned in the Troop Program Features, the [[Guide to Safe Scouting]] must be with you on all activities and applies to every activity. Also note that the Table of Contents is sometimes out of order because the real subject name is used instead of the chapter name. Both names are shown in the chapter notes below.

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==Yearly Program Planning==

==Yearly Program Planning==

:''The full introduction with much more information is here: [[Media:Troop Program Features - Introduction.pdf|Introduction - How to Plan]]

:''The full introduction with much more information is here: [[Media:Troop Program Features - Introduction.pdf|Introduction - How to Plan]]

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''"A successful [[troop]] meeting begins with advance planning. In recent research, the [[Boy Scouts of America]] determined that inadequately planned and executed troop meetings were the number one cause of boys leaving Scouting."

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{{quote-source|A successful [[troop]] meeting begins with advance planning. In recent research, the [[Boy Scouts of America]] determined that inadequately planned and executed troop meetings were the number one cause of boys leaving Scouting.<br><br>Troop meetings should focus on a monthly program feature, be fast-moving, and start and end on time. The program feature should be interwoven with the program at all experience levels: the new-Scout patrol, experienced patrols, and the Venture patrol.<br><br>Planning a troop program on an annual and a monthly basis is a new task for many leaders. Good planning and execution depend on (1) a [[Scoutmaster]] who understands the process, (2) trained youth leaders who can plan meetings and successfully execute them, (3) sufficient personnel in the form of [[Assistant Scoutmaster]]s and [[troop committee]] members, and (4) parents who are knowledgeable and informed.<br><br>Your first step in planning is to utilize the resources available to set goals for the troop. The next step is to train your youth leaders in the planning process. Then give them the responsibility and authority to plan and implement the troop program. The final step is to get your troop committee and parents to “buy in” to support this “Scout-planned” program.<br><br>The program planning guide in chapter 8 of the [[Scoutmaster Handbook]] will guide you through the basics of planning, from doing your homework to securing parental support for your program. The monthly troop program features found in Scouting magazine are the other principal resources needed to run the program planning workshop.|[http://scouting.org/FILESTORE/pdf/33110_WEB.pdf Troop Program Features Vol. I]}}

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''"Troop meetings should focus on a monthly program feature, be fast-moving, and start and end on time. The program feature should be interwoven with the program at all experience levels: the new-Scout patrol, experienced patrols, and the Venture patrol."

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''"Planning a troop program on an annual and a monthly basis is a new task for many leaders. Good planning and execution depend on (1) a [[Scoutmaster]] who understands the process, (2) trained youth leaders who can plan meetings and successfully execute them, (3) sufficient personnel in the form of [[Assistant Scoutmaster]]s and [[troop committee]] members, and (4) parents who are knowledgeable and informed."

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''"Your first step in planning is to utilize the resources available to set goals for the troop. The next step is to train your youth leaders in the planning process. Then give them the responsibility and authority to plan and implement the troop program. The final step is to get your troop committee and parents to “buy in” to support this “Scout-planned” program."

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''"The program planning guide in chapter 8 of the [[Scoutmaster Handbook]] will guide you through the basics of planning, from doing your homework to securing parental support for your program. The monthly troop program features found in Scouting magazine are the other principal resources needed to run the program planning workshop."

[[Media:Troop Program Features - Introduction.pdf|Introduction - How to Plan]] - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 5 - 14

[[Media:Troop Program Features - Introduction.pdf|Introduction - How to Plan]] - Troop Program Features Volume I pp. 5 - 14

Troop Meeting Plan Form p. 14

Troop Meeting Plan Form p. 14

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<br>

===Aquatics===

===Aquatics===

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* Although not mentioned, there are swimming requirements in [[Second Class]] and [[First Class]]. In addition, [[Canoeing]], [[Rowing]], [[Water Sports]], and [[Whitewater]] are Aquatics Advancement Opportunities.

* Although not mentioned, there are swimming requirements in [[Second Class]] and [[First Class]]. In addition, [[Canoeing]], [[Rowing]], [[Water Sports]], and [[Whitewater]] are Aquatics Advancement Opportunities.

* See [[Swimming Skills]] for many resources including lesson videos.

* See [[Swimming Skills]] for many resources including lesson videos.

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===Athletics===

===Athletics===

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*Note that although this chapter suggests earning your ''Skiing'' merit badge, ''Skiing'' was replaced in the 1990's with [[Snow Sports]].

*Note that although this chapter suggests earning your ''Skiing'' merit badge, ''Skiing'' was replaced in the 1990's with [[Snow Sports]].

* See [[Personal Fitness]] for many resources including lesson videos.

* See [[Personal Fitness]] for many resources including lesson videos.

*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Motorboating]] is also a boating merit badge and canoe trips can apply towards the [[50-Miler]] award.

*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Motorboating]] is also a boating merit badge and canoe trips can apply towards the [[50-Miler]] award.

*This topic does include good Canoe Paddle and Canoeing Strokes diagrams.

*This topic does include good Canoe Paddle and Canoeing Strokes diagrams.

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===Business===

===Business===

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*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Entrepreneurship]] is how businesses are created. And the sales campaign activity is from the [[Salesmanship]] merit badge. [[Personal Management]] applies these business skills to help manage your life.

*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Entrepreneurship]] is how businesses are created. And the sales campaign activity is from the [[Salesmanship]] merit badge. [[Personal Management]] applies these business skills to help manage your life.

*The suggested "Business" campout instead features an [[Orienteering]] race and a nature hike.

*The suggested "Business" campout instead features an [[Orienteering]] race and a nature hike.

[[Media:Troop Program Features - Public Service.pdf|Public Service]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 35 - 43. (''Also see the Troop Program Feature for [[Troop Program Features#Citizenship|Citizenship]].)<br>

[[Media:Troop Program Features - Public Service.pdf|Public Service]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 35 - 43. (''Also see the Troop Program Feature for [[Troop Program Features#Citizenship|Citizenship]].)<br>

*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Reptile and Amphibian Study]] also includes tracking.

*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Reptile and Amphibian Study]] also includes tracking.

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===Wilderness Survival===

===Wilderness Survival===

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* The "Downed Plane" and "The Flood" scenarios are great learning exercises.

* The "Downed Plane" and "The Flood" scenarios are great learning exercises.

* See [[Wilderness Survival]] for many resources including lesson videos.

* See [[Wilderness Survival]] for many resources including lesson videos.

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===Wildlife Management===

===Wildlife Management===

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*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Reptile and Amphibian Study]] also includes management requirements.

*Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, [[Reptile and Amphibian Study]] also includes management requirements.

* See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.

* See the merit badge links above for many resources including lesson videos.

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===Winter Camping===

===Winter Camping===

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{{Shortcut|[[TPF-Winter Camping]]}}[[Media:Troop Program Features - Winter Camping.pdf|Winter Camping]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 125 - 134. (''Also see the Troop Program Feature for [[Troop Program Features#Camping|Camping]].)<br>

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{{Shortcut|[[TPF-Winter Camping]]}}[[MediaTroop Program Features - Winter Camping.pdf|Winter Camping]] - Troop Program Features Volume III pp. 125 - 134. (''Also see the Troop Program Feature for [[Troop Program Features#Camping|Camping]].)<br>

Revision as of 11:31, December 7, 2010

The Troop Program Features include 36 Monthly Themes with Troop Meeting and Activity plans.Using this program, a troop will explore dozens of merit badges and Scout Skills each year.

Wouldn't it be great to be able to choose from dozens of monthly plans that other troops have used and refined?What if each monthly plan included sample meeting plans, activities, games, and PLC planning suggestions?That's what the Troop Program Features are!

By using this three-year program rotation, every Scout Skill is reinforced and Scouts are introduced to almost every merit badge. Some programs such as Camping, First Aid, and Emergency Preparedness will probably be annual themes for new Scouts with older Scouts teaching and doing the related merit badges.

Although rarely mentioned in the Troop Program Features, the Guide to Safe Scouting must be with you on all activities and applies to every activity. Also note that the Table of Contents is sometimes out of order because the real subject name is used instead of the chapter name. Both names are shown in the chapter notes below.

Yearly Program Planning

A successful troop meeting begins with advance planning. In recent research, the Boy Scouts of America determined that inadequately planned and executed troop meetings were the number one cause of boys leaving Scouting.

Troop meetings should focus on a monthly program feature, be fast-moving, and start and end on time. The program feature should be interwoven with the program at all experience levels: the new-Scout patrol, experienced patrols, and the Venture patrol.

Planning a troop program on an annual and a monthly basis is a new task for many leaders. Good planning and execution depend on (1) a Scoutmaster who understands the process, (2) trained youth leaders who can plan meetings and successfully execute them, (3) sufficient personnel in the form of Assistant Scoutmasters and troop committee members, and (4) parents who are knowledgeable and informed.

Your first step in planning is to utilize the resources available to set goals for the troop. The next step is to train your youth leaders in the planning process. Then give them the responsibility and authority to plan and implement the troop program. The final step is to get your troop committee and parents to “buy in” to support this “Scout-planned” program.

The program planning guide in chapter 8 of the Scoutmaster Handbook will guide you through the basics of planning, from doing your homework to securing parental support for your program. The monthly troop program features found in Scouting magazine are the other principal resources needed to run the program planning workshop.

Although not mentioned as an Advancement Opportunity, Entrepreneurship is how businesses are created. And the sales campaign activity is from the Salesmanship merit badge. Personal Management applies these business skills to help manage your life.

The suggested "Business" campout instead features an Orienteering race and a nature hike.

This chapter includes an excellent group project "Stranded" where alone and then as a group you decide what survival items are important. Includes answer key and explainations. Good for a troop meeting.

P. 96 suggests that "Older Scouts can concentrate on the Citizenship merit badge this month." There is no such merit badge.